Housing assistance in Washington

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Washington

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Washington

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap on the amount. A deposit may be collected only if there is a written rental agreement explaining when it can be withheld and a signed move-in condition checklist; without the checklist, the landlord owes the tenant the full deposit.

RCW 59.18.260

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant moves out, the landlord must return the deposit or give a full and specific written statement of the reasons for keeping any of it. A landlord who misses the deadline (except when it was beyond their control or the tenant abandoned the unit) owes the full deposit.

RCW 59.18.280

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

14-day written pay-or-vacate notice in the form set by statute. It must itemize the rent, utilities and other recurring charges owed, and it must list legal aid resources, including the Eviction Defense Screening Line.

RCW 59.18.057

Landlord entry notice

At least 2 days' written notice before entering, stating the date and the time or time window. For showings to prospective tenants or buyers, 1 day's notice is required. No notice is needed in an emergency or when notice is impracticable.

RCW 59.18.150

Rent increases and rent control

Statewide cap (HB 1217, effective May 7, 2025): rent cannot be raised during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and after that it can rise by no more than 7% plus Seattle-area CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, in any 12-month period. Commerce has set the maximum at 9.683% for 2026 and 10% for 2027. Landlords must give 90 days' written notice (30 days in subsidized housing). Exemptions include buildings whose first certificate of occupancy is 12 or fewer years old, certain nonprofit, public and tax-credit housing, and some owner-occupied properties.

RCW 59.18.700, 59.18.710, 59.18.140

If the landlord won’t make repairs

After written notice, the landlord must begin repairs within 24 hours (no water, heat or electricity, or an imminent hazard), 72 hours (refrigerator, range/oven or major plumbing) or 10 days (other defects). If the landlord does not, the tenant may use repair-and-deduct, which is capped at 2 months' rent per repair and per 12 months (1 month's rent for minor repairs the tenant does themselves). The tenant must be current on rent to use these remedies.

RCW 59.18.070, 59.18.080, 59.18.100

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Washington

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Washington resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. RCW 59.18.260 Security depositsWashington State Legislature
2. RCW 59.18.280 Return of depositWashington State Legislature
3. RCW 59.18.057 Notice to pay rent or vacateWashington State Legislature
4. RCW 59.18.150 Landlord accessWashington State Legislature
5. RCW 59.18.700 Rent increase limitsWashington State Legislature
6. RCW 59.18.710 ExemptionsWashington State Legislature
7. RCW 59.18.140 Rent increase noticeWashington State Legislature
8. RCW 59.18.070 Landlord's failure to remedyWashington State Legislature
9. RCW 59.18.080 Payment of rent conditionWashington State Legislature
10. RCW 59.18.100 Repair and deductWashington State Legislature
11. HB 1217 Landlord Resource CenterWashington State Department of Commerce
12. Commerce announces 9.683% rent cap for 2026Washington State Department of Commerce
13. LIHEAPWashington State Department of Commerce
14. Eviction DefenseWashington State Office of Civil Legal Aid
15. Find Legal HelpWashington State Office of Civil Legal Aid
16. WashingtonLawHelp.orgNorthwest Justice Project
17. Landlord-TenantWashington State Office of the Attorney General
18. Seattle Housing AuthoritySeattle Housing Authority
19. King County Housing AuthorityKing County Housing Authority
20. Tacoma Housing AuthorityTacoma Housing Authority
21. Spokane Housing AuthoritySpokane Housing Authority